adjective / determiner / pronoun
former
FOR-mer/ˈfɔːrmər/
Belonging to an earlier position in time or sequence.
The former chef hands the hat to the new chef and steps away.
Etymology
An unusual comparative built on a word meaning “first,” former came to mean “earlier in time.” A former officeholder therefore belongs to an earlier period of holding that position.
In context
the former Roman province of Dacia on the middle Danube frontier in modernday Romania.
More examples
- The former factory now houses a public library.
- Tea and coffee are available, but I prefer the former.
- Of the two plans, the former option costs less.
Forms
formerly adverb — At an earlier time, but not now.
Similar words
- previous
- Often refers to the one immediately before the current one.
- earlier
- Refers broadly to a prior time, not necessarily past status.